Évêché d’Autun (Saône-et-Loire) 2025. Rapport d’opération archéologique - Fouille programmée

The excavation at the Bishop’s Palace of Autun was conducted from June 17 to July 11, 2025, following an archaeological study of the standing structures that identified the construction phases of the medieval episcopal palace. Investigations focused on the gardens, in alignment with the lost buildings of the north wing.A 28 m² test trench, carried out by a team from Sorbonne University under the direction of Camilla Cannoni (UMR 8150 Centre André-Chastel), aimed to prepare a multi-year research project. The results clarified the site’s stratigraphy, revealing remains predating the episcopal palace, occupation levels linked to the residence, and layers associated with its demolition.The earliest evidence includes a paved courtyard, possibly related to a large 3rd-century residence known from nearby excavations. Late Antiquity is marked by successive mortar floors, though associated structures remain unidentified. Early medieval phases (6th–early 9th century) consist of poorly understood masonry remains, followed in the later 9th century by craft activities, including probable glassworking linked to major construction nearby.These activities were replaced by a substantial building occupied from the mid-10th to the 13th century. A major reconstruction at the end of the 13th century reused earlier foundations, as confirmed by standing remains.The building was likely demolished in the 18th century, but later disturbances created a significant stratigraphic gap. Demolition debris survives in thick backfill deposits. Contemporary features relate to restoration work undertaken between 1943 and 1946.